Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Narrative #3


Even though their voices were muffled by the sliding glass door in between them, he knew what they were talking about. They argued a lot, they always had, but they only step outside when it’s something they really don’t want him to hear. They usually argue over things like dinner, money, or work hours inside, since it doesn’t really matter if he hears, but when they step outside he knows what it’s about. It’s about him.
His father was always very stubborn; he didn’t change his mind about anything, even when he knew he was wrong. He would have made a great lawyer if he decided to stick with law school, but instead, he was an accountant who dreaded his decision to drop out since the first day out. He always encouraged his son to be a lawyer, to stick with law school, and to lead the life he wish he had. He used to always say, “Don’t make the same mistake I did, John, because you don’t know how much you’ll regret not taking that chance.”
His mother was almost the exact opposite. She didn’t care if he became a lawyer or not, as long as he was happy with his decision. Of course, she also didn’t want him to live in the same regret that her husband was, but she didn’t care what career he wanted to pursue. She was a therapist, a great one, and she always thought that parents should not pressure their children into making decisions that they don’t want to make.
“I just don’t want him to make the same mistake that I did,” John could hear his father say.
“If he doesn’t want to be a lawyer, then he won’t be living in regret. He can pursue whatever career he wants to,” his mother replied in a tired voice. This was an argument she was beginning to grow sick of.
“I know, but I just feel like he would be great in court, and I think he should take the opportunity of a life time.”
“Will you just drop it?” his mother hissed, “He can do whatever he wants.”
They both had good points to John. He saw the pain that his dad goes through almost every single day, and he knows that that’s not something he wants to live with. Also, maybe being a lawyer won’t be the most terrible thing in the world. There are some jobs that are much worse, and John knows that. Maybe being a lawyer and leading the life his dad always wanted to isn’t such a bad idea.
At the same time, however, his father’s mistakes shouldn’t influence John to make the decision about his career. Just because he didn’t pursue the career he wanted to doesn’t mean John should. He’s only 14-years-old anyway- he has plenty of time to make the decision. His father doesn’t have the right to pressure John into making decisions, just like his mother said, it’s just not right.
Both of his parents obviously make a pretty convincing point. At this point in the never-ending argument, John doesn’t know what he wants to do. He doesn’t even know what to do in general.
“Fine,” he suddenly heard his father say. “Let’s see what he wants. John, can you come out here please?”

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